Black artist Mavis Pusey was born in Jamaica and moved to New York City when she was 18 years old. She went to fashion school there and worked in a boutique. She started studying at the Art Students League of New York. She said she walked into a painting class by accident but was so interested in modern art that she stayed. Take a close look at her “Frozen Vibration.” Does it remind you of anything?
Mavis Pusey (American, b. Jamaica, 1928 – 2019), “Frozen Vibration,” 1968. Color screenprint on paper. 26 3/8 × 33 3/8 inches. Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia; Museum purchase in memory of Berkeley Minor. GMOA 2018.132.
Pusey was inspired by the forms and shapes of the buildings in New York City. She said, “I am inspired by the energy and the beat of the construction and demolition of these buildings . . . . I use color and texture to convey the tension that is the heartbeat of the city.” “Frozen Vibration” is an example of how Pusey created abstract works of art with geometric shapes. What do you notice about the colors and shapes in “Frozen Vibration”?
In this activity, you will work with a friend to create geometric abstraction together.
For this activity you will need:
- a piece of paper for the base of your work of art
- colored paper (including black)
- scissors
- a friend or family member
- glue (optional)
To make your collaborative abstraction:
- Cut black paper into strips of different widths and lengths.
- Cut geometric shapes out of colored paper. You can try using just one color or create shapes in many different colors.
- Choose a couple of black strips and arrange them on your base. What designs or shapes will you create?
- Have a friend add more black strips. Continue adding strips until you’ve created a design together. Try building off each other’s additions.
- Take turns adding colorful shapes to make the whole work of art pop. How does adding color change it? What will you title your abstract masterpiece?
- Once you’ve finished creating your work of art, you can glue down the pieces or start again and use the same materials to make something totally new!
